It was a standard procedure with no complications. Appel will report to Spring Training on time for the Feb. 15 report date for Astros pitchers and catchers.

"Mark will be fine," Luhnow said. "He will report to camp on time. Once he arrives in Spring Training, we'll see where he is at health-wise and take it from there. We anticipate that he will either be ready to work out at the start of camp or very close to ready."

The Astros ask that media refrain from contacting Appel as he recovers from the procedure.

VALDES HAS KNEE SURGERY

Luhnow also reported that left-handed pitcher Raul Valdes underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee this week in Houston. Valdes will be in Spring Training on the scheduled Feb. 15 report date for pitchers and catchers. His recovery time is expected to be approximately 4-6 weeks.

Valdes was claimed off waivers on October 2, 2013 from the Philadelphia Phillies.